City Council

Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday June 23, 2026 6:00 PM Present: Jake Holmes, Neal Osborne, Anthony Farnum (virtually), Michael Pollard, Alex Littleton Staff Present: Tamrya Spradlin, City Manager; Jim Guynn, Jr., Interim City Attorney (virtually); Tammy Jones, Chief Financial Officer; Jay Detrick, Director of Community Development; Jake Chandler, Director of Public Works; Angela Belvins, Director of Human Resources; Megan Erwin, City Clerk; Rick Belcher, Director of Information Technology Call to Order Mayor Jake Holmes called the meeting to order at 6:01 P.M. Moment of Silence Pledge of Allegiance A. Mayor's Minute and Council Comments Mayor Holmes mentioned that Councilman Farnham would join later after a remote participation vote and welcomed Interim City Attorney Jim Guynn who was participating remotely. Holmes recounted an exciting soccer game where the Bristol Rhythm team remained undefeated. He announced an upcoming mini-golf event with first responders on the 30th, from 5 to 7 p.m., highlighting its family-friendly nature and free refreshments. He noted the onset of early voting for Congressional and Senate primaries, and thanked City staff for organizing a successful Juneteenth event at Breedlove-Charles Park. Councilmember Michael Pollard warned residents to be cautious on State Street during repaving in preparation for America's 250th birthday. He encouraged attendance at Fourth of July weekend festivities, which will include food trucks, fireworks, vendors, and music, emphasizing the fun and celebratory nature of the events. B. City Manager's Comments City Manager Tamrya Spradlin thanked the public for their patience regarding State Street improvements, which may extend into July, dependent on weather. She reminded residents that city offices will be closed on July 3rd for the 4th of July holiday and announced the City Salute America 250 event in Cumberland Square Park at 7:30 PM that day, featuring the Symphony of the Mountains. Gratitude was also expressed to city staff for their efforts in organizing these events. C. Adoption of agenda.  Moved by Neal Osborne; seconded by Alex Littleton to Approve as Amended for the adoption of the agenda with one change. To add a budget discussion to the agenda after item D9. So it would be a new item D10 for a budget discussion. Motion Approve: 4 - 0 Voting For: Jake Holmes, Neal Osborne, Alex Littleton, Michael Pollard Voting Against: None D. REGULAR AGENDA 1. Remote Participation Vote Staff recommends that Council approve the absent Council member's remote participation. City Manager Tamrya Spradlin gave the staff report. The minutes will reflect that Councilmember Farnham is in Orlando, Florida for a vacation and staff recommends that Council approve the absent Councilmember's remote participation. Moved by Neal Osborne; seconded by Alex Littleton for approval of Councilman Farnham's remote participation. Motion Approve: 4- 0 Voting For: Jake Holmes, Neal Osborne, Alex Littleton, Michael Pollard Voting Against: None 2. Joint Public Hearing with the Planning Commission for updates to Chapter 50, City Code None, public hearing only. Mayor Holmes and Planning Commission Chairman Paul Conco opened the joint public hearing. No one signed up for public comment. Director of Community Development, Jay Detrick, gave the staff report. Mr. Detrick stated that there are updates to Chapter 50 of the City Code, specifically regulating recreational substances retail. Such establishments sell products like tobacco, vaping fluids, hemp-derived items, and kratom, with criteria of at least 25% of total sales and 15% of display space dedicated to these substances. The ordinance aims to restrict these businesses within 1,000 feet of youth-centric locations (e.g., schools, playgrounds) to prevent access for those under 21. The proposal includes a special use permit requirement for new stores, enhancing regulation in the B3 business district. Currently, there are about 37 existing stores in Bristol, and the ordinance would limit the establishment of new ones near sensitive areas. Similar regulations are already implemented in at least 15 Virginia localities. The presentation acknowledged the contribution of City Planner Caleb Conklin in developing this ordinance. Mayor Holmes and Planning Commission Chairman Conco closed the joint public hearing. 3. State of Good Repair Bridge Projects - Goodson Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and Oak Street Discussion item. Jake Chandler, the Director of Public Works, informed the Council that the City secured funding for three State of Good Repair Bridge Projects. These include replacing the Goodson Street bridge over Beaver Creek, the Oak Street bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railway, and a partial superstructure replacement and rehabilitation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard bridge over Beaver Creek. The City contracted design consultant WRA in 2020, and Jeremy Schlussel, from WRA was present for further details, alongside representatives from VDOT for any questions from the Council. Jeremy Schlossel, the Project Manager for the replacement of these three bridges, gave a presentation outlining the replacement of three bridges in Virginia under the state of good repair program: Goodson Street over Beaver Creek, Oak Street over Norfolk Southern, and a partial superstructure replacement of MLK over Beaver Creek. These projects are funded entirely by VDOT, with the goal of maintaining bridges in good and fair condition, addressing deficiencies rather than increasing capacity. Currently, 85% of the 36 bridges in Bristol are considered in good or fair condition, but six are near poor condition, with three (Goodson, Oak, and MLK) now being addressed. Goodson Street, built in the early 1920s, is in structurally deficient condition. Plans include replacing it while avoiding creek disruption due to karst terrain and existing utilities. The new design will accommodate two traffic lanes and sidewalks, featuring an architectural railing reminiscent of limestone. Oak Street has been closed since 2019 due to severe damage. Reconstruction will involve careful excavation near residential areas, also accommodating the railway beneath. The new design will maintain two traffic lanes and sidewalks while reflecting historical features in the railing. Each project's timeline is influenced by utility relocation efforts, particularly with BVU Utilities working on water lines before bridge work can commence. Detours will be established to minimize local disruption during construction. He discussed the ongoing project involving the partial replacement and rehabilitation of the MLK Jr. Boulevard bridge over Beaver Creek, originally built in 1930 and partially reconstructed in the mid-1970s. The project aims to replace the aging northbound side while slightly reducing the sidewalk width to avoid disturbing the creek. New superstructure will be placed on the existing foundation, with utility relocation coordinated with utility owners. The project will involve a mill and overlay on the southbound side and the addition of a turn lane for the nearby train station. Detours will redirect traffic around the construction area for efficiency. The project was awarded following city advertisement in 2020 but faced challenges including funding discrepancies and delays due to COVID-19 and inflation, requiring adjustments to the budget and timelines. Current permits are awaited to proceed with advertising the bids, expected to be reviewed from late September to early October, with an anticipated award in December. The MLK project will commence first, followed by Goodson Street after utility line relocations are completed. Challenges remain with securing permitting from Norfolk Southern Railroad for the Oak Street project. The budgets have significantly increased from initial estimates, attributed to inflation averaging 7% per year within the civil industry. Budget reviews are conducted every three  months to align with inflationary pressures and address shortfalls, ensuring project feasibility amidst rising costs. 4. Discussion of proposed Smart Scale applications Discussion item. Jay Detrick, Director of Community Development, gave the staff report. He outlined two proposed projects that the City of Bristol intends to submit to VDOT's SmartScale program. The first project focuses on the Kingsmill Pike at Woodland Circle intersection, where the proposal aims to mitigate accident rates by flattening the sharp curve near North Star Church and adding dedicated left and right turn lanes. Notably, since 2018, there have been approximately 30 crashes recorded at this intersection, prompting the need for realignment despite previous mitigation efforts such as speed signs and high-friction asphalt. The second project involves a roundabout at the intersection of Bonham Road and Suncrest Drive, with an updated design that enhances accessibility by allowing right turns from Bonham onto MacArthur Circle while eliminating left-turn access. This design, developed after discussions with the City Council and public meetings, also involves the closure of one driveway for a gas station but maintains other access points. Mr. Detrick emphasized the urgency for Council to approve these proposals for submission by July's deadline, indicating the necessity for a resolution in the upcoming council meeting. VDOT's representative, Blake Ailor, was present to address specific inquiries regarding these projects. Council entered a break at 6:56 P.M. Council back in session at 7:03 P.M. 5. Approval of Employee Handbook for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Angela Belvins, Director of Human Resources, gave the staff report. On May 23, 2023, the City Council approved Ordinance 23-7 regarding creating an active and functional Personnel Policy Handbook that can be amended as needed with Council approval in a timely manner without the necessity of adopting an ordinance approving the amendments. On June 13, 2023, the City Council approved the adoption of the new Employee Handbook as if it were fully incorporated within the Code. Before the end of each fiscal year, the City Manager or her designee will present the Personnel Policy Handbook to City Council for review and approval. The recommendation is for Council to approve the current Personnel Policy Handbook for adoption on July 1, 2026, for the upcoming fiscal year with clarification added on several current policies and the addition of a new policy that provides Virginia Local Disability Plan (VLDP) benefits for Emergency Dispatchers effective July 1st, 2026. Moved by Neal Osborne; seconded by Alex Littleton to Approval of the Employee Handbook for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 as presented. Motion Approve: 5- 0 Voting For: Jake Holmes, Neal Osborne, Anthony Farnum, Alex Littleton, Michael Pollard Voting Against: None 6. Birthplace of Country Music, Inc. funding discussion Discussion item.  City Manager Tamrya Spradlin presented the staff report regarding a $50,000 fiscal year 2026 appropriation to the Birthplace of Country Music, Inc. The funds are to be disbursed quarterly unless requested less frequently and must be used by June 30, 2026. Interim City Attorney Jim Guynn emphasized the desire for the organization to fulfill its obligations to the City before a payment is made, particularly concerning the admissions tax. Councilmember Anthony Farnum expressed support for withholding payments until such obligations are met. Ms. Spradlin noted that if the Council did not act that night, the staff would be required to disperse the funds since they cannot change approved appropriations without Council approval. Councilmember Michael Pollard confirmed that the Council had previously directed the allocation of these funds, and any changes would necessitate further action. Additionally, Councilmember Alex Littleton clarified that the Council could choose to pause the payment, with City Manager Spradlin affirming this would mean transferring the appropriation to another department within the budget. Vice Mayor Osborne inquired about transferring the funds to the contingency fund, to which Ms. Spradlin agreed. Mayor Holmes urged for a decision to be made, leading to a motion by Councilmember Farnum to withhold the payment in the contingency budget until further action from City Council. Moved by Anthony Farnum; seconded by Neal Osborne Council authorized a budget transfer from that line item to the contingency fund to not be dispersed until further action from City Council. Motion Approve: 5- 0 Voting For: Jake Holmes, Neal Osborne, Anthony Farnum, Alex Littleton, Michael Pollard Voting Against: None 7. Supplemental Appropriation $366,882 Staff recommends that Council approve the supplemental appropriation as listed in the attached document. This is a budget amendment to the FY 2027 budget. Chief Financial Officer Tammy Jones gave the staff report. She presented a supplemental appropriation to the Council, anticipating approval of ordinance 26-5, aimed at funding a bonus payment. This amendment pertains to the FY 27 budget. Key financial highlights include a transfer of $321,990 from the beginning fund balance, stemming from a refund from the Regional Jail, alongside an expected reimbursement of approximately $40,064 from the comp board. The total appropriation, which also includes transit, amounts to $366,882. Moved by Neal Osborne; seconded by Alex Littleton to Approve for approval of the supplemental appropriation in the amount of $366,882 as presented.. Motion Approve: 5- 0 Voting For: Jake Holmes, Neal Osborne, Anthony Farnum, Alex Littleton, Michael Pollard Voting Against: None 8. Award of Invitation To Bid (ITB) Asphalt Concrete Patching Material, ITB# PW-27-001 Staff recommends that Council authorize the City Manager or her designee to enter into contract with W-L Construction and Paving, Inc. located in Abingdon, VA. Chief Financial Officer Tammy Jones gave the staff report. She addressed the Council, stating that the invitation for bid concerning asphalt concrete and patching material was issued on  May 20, 2026, with a submission deadline of 2 p.m. on June 11, 2026. The invitation was advertised on the City's website and Virginia's electronic procurement system (EVA). Only one sealed bid was received, which was evaluated according to the specified criteria. The recommendation is for the council to authorize the City Manager or her designee to enter into a contract with W&L Construction Paving, based in Abington, Virginia, as they were determined to be the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. Moved by Neal Osborne; seconded by Alex Littleton for approval of the of the contractors presented. Motion Approve: 5- 0 Voting For: Jake Holmes, Neal Osborne, Anthony Farnum, Alex Littleton, Michael Pollard Voting Against: None 9. Award of Invitation to Bid (ITB) Class A-3 Portland Cement Concrete and Flowable Fill, ITB# PW-27-003 Staff recommends that Council authorize the City Manager or her designee to enter into contract with Lakeside Ready Mix, Inc. located in Abingdon, VA. Chief Financial Officer Tammy Jones gave the staff report. On May 20th, 2026, an invitation for bid was issued, with bids due by 2:00 PM on June 11th, 2026. The advertisement for the bid was posted on the City's website and Virginia's electronic procurement site, EVA. After the sealed bids were received, they were evaluated according to the established criteria. The award is recommended to be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The staff advised that the Council authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to enter into a contract with Lakeside Ready Mix, located in Abington, Virginia. Moved by Neal Osborne; seconded by Alex Littleton to Approve for approval as presented. Motion Approve: 5- 0 Voting For: Jake Holmes, Neal Osborne, Anthony Farnum, Alex Littleton, Michael Pollard Voting Against: None 10. Supplemental Item - Budget Discussion City Manager Tamrya Spradlin gave the staff report. She provided an update concerning the recent agreement on the budget by the General Assembly, which has been sent to the Governor. The City initially planned a 2% salary increase for employees, mirroring the state’s past increases. However, the latest state budget introduces a 3.5% increase for state- funded positions effective August 1. This discrepancy leaves the city in a challenging position as the City’s budget already allocates for a 2% increase effective July 1. City Manager Spradlin discussed various options, including implementing a 2% increase in July and then a 1.5% adjustment in August, resulting in an anticipated cost increase of $337,500. The CFO Tammy Jones has determined that this adjustment can be accommodated through reallocating existing budget funds, specifically $20,000 from contingency and $30,000 from the postponement of two new positions in code compliance and IT to October 1, totaling $50,000 in savings. Additionally, with an expected decrease in inmate housing costs, the budget could potentially absorb another $150,000 reduction.  To achieve a total increase of 3.5% effective July 1, the City intends to adjust funding from deferred capital projects. Council action is required for these changes, and a budget amendment will be prepared for presentation at the July 14 council meeting. City Manager Spradlin seeks direction on how to proceed, emphasizing the urgency to give Human Resources and Finance the necessary direction to continue with payroll adjustments. Moved by Neal Osborne; seconded by Alex Littleton for the Council to direct the City Manager to proceed on July 1 pending Council action on our July 14th meeting to proceed on July 1 with a three and a half percent pay raise for city employees effective July 1. Motion Approve: 5- 0 Voting For: Jake Holmes, Neal Osborne, Anthony Farnum, Alex Littleton, Michael Pollard Voting Against: None E. Ordinances First Reading 1. Ordinance 26-5, to Authorize the Payment of Monetary Bonuses to Officers and Employees of the City of Bristol, Virginia Staff recommends that Council approve the ordinance as presented. No one signed up for public comment. City Manager Tamrya Spradlin gave the staff report. Ordinance 26-5 is to authorize the payment of monetary bonuses to employees of the City of Bristol, Virginia per the supplemental appropriation that Ms. Jones presented earlier, and staff recommends that Council approve the ordinance as presented. Ms. Spradlin read the ordinance by caption only. ORDINANCE NUMBER 26-5 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE PAYMENT OF MONETARY BONUSES TO OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF BRISTOL VIRGINIA. Moved by Neal Osborne; seconded by Alex Littleton to approve the first reading of the ordinance by caption only. Motion Approve: 5- 0 Voting For: Jake Holmes, Neal Osborne, Anthony Farnum, Alex Littleton, Michael Pollard Voting Against: None F. Matters to be Presented by Members of the Public- Non-Agenda Items. Rev. Jackie Nophlin - Thanked Mayor Holmes, Vice Mayor Osborne and Councilmember Pollard for their attendance at the Juneteenth celebration, which meant a lot to the community. She stated that she appreciated the City Manager's work on the park in preparation for our upcoming event on August 8th, known as "Day in the Park." However, some concerns, such as lighting issues and getting water out of equipment need to be addressed for a smoother experience. She introduced Lamar Hinton, a local community member and ETSU graduate, who will work on park-related issues and engage with city boards. Lamar expressed his excitement about collaborating with the City Council to enhance education and community involvement in Bristol and the Tri-Cities. G. Closed Session  Moved by Neal Osborne; seconded by Alex Littleton that we enter in a closed session for the reasons stated. Motion Approve: 5 - 0 Voting For: Jake Holmes, Neal Osborne, Anthony Farnum, Alex Littleton, Michael Pollard Voting Against: None 1. Pursuant to Section 2.2-3711.A1, Code of Virginia 1950, as amended. Discussion, consideration, or interviews of prospective candidates for employment; assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees of any public body (appointments, personnel). Council entered a closed session at 7:44 P.M. Council returned from a closed session at 8:31 P.M. By roll call vote council members certify that only business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements as specified in the motion to convene in closed session were discussed. Ayes: Farnum, Osborne, Pollard, Holmes, Littleton Nay: none Vice-Mayor Neal Osborne made a motion that the City Council reappoint Dr. Paul Conco to serve on the Planning Commission for another term commencing on July 1. Moved by Michael Pollard; seconded by Anthony Farnum to reappoint Dr. Paul Conco to serve on the Planning Commission for another term commencing on July 1. Motion Approve: 5- 0 Voting For: Jake Holmes, Neal Osborne, Anthony Farnum, Michael Pollard, Alex Littleton Voting Against: None H. CONSENT AGENDA Moved by Neal Osborne; seconded by Alex Littleton for approval of the consent agenda in full. Motion Approve: 5 - 0 Voting For: Jake Holmes, Neal Osborne, Anthony Farnum, Alex Littleton, Michael Pollard Voting Against: None 1. Appointment of Jake Holmes to Bristol's Community Policy Management Team (CPMT) Staff recommends that Council approve the appointment as presented. 2. Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes from June 9, 2026 Staff recommends that Council approve the minutes as presented. 3. Supplemental Appropriation $11,428 Staff recommends that Council approve the supplemental appropriation as listed.  GENERAL FUND $11,428 COMMISSIONER OF THE REVENUE Appropriate additional monies reimbursed from the Compensation Board for vacancy savings Revenue 3-001-23010-0003 Commissioner of the Revenue $10,000 Expenditure 4-001- 12040-5210 Postage $5,000 Expenditure 4-001-12040-6001 Printing & Office Supplies $5,000 FIRE DEPARTMENT Appropriate HTR funds reimbursed for travel to training in Roanoke, VA Revenue 3-001- 33020-0036 SHSP HTR $1,428 Expenditure 4-001-32010-5530 Travel Expense $1,428 4. Consider a Street Closure Request for a Salute America 250 Event Staff recommends approval of the request. I. Adjournment Moved by Neal Osborne; seconded by Alex Littleton to Approve for adjournment. Motion Approve: 4 - 1 Voting For: Jake Holmes, Anthony Farnum, Alex Littleton, Michael Pollard Voting Against: Neal Osborne Meeting adjourned at 8:33 P.M.